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RAM Brake Recalls Cover Pedal Separation, Hose Damage and Controls
⚠ 1 of these recalls carries a do-not-drive advisory.
RAM hydraulic brake recalls repeatedly involve pedal connections, brake hoses or lines, and electronic brake controls. Pedal separation affects certain 2019 RAM 1500 vehicles with adjustable pedals and certain 2020-2021 RAM 1500 Classic SLT trucks with a missing push rod retaining clip. The 4500 and 5500 recur in hose and line notices: 2018 trucks have corrosion concerns, while 2019-2020 trucks appear in separate suspension-related line wear and undersized rear hose recalls. Electronic issues include ABS module damage in 2020-2021 ProMaster City vehicles, stability-control software problems, and HCU failure in certain 2017-2018 heavy-duty trucks. Another notice covers dragging brakes on certain 2019 2500 and 3500 trucks.
Warning signs to watch for
- 2019 RAM 1500 adjustable-pedal recall V07: the brake pedal may move too far and separate.
- 2019 RAM 2500 and 3500 caliper recall V98: brakes may drag and overheat.
- 2022 stability warning light recall Z20: the ESC malfunction indicator may fail to illuminate during an ESC problem.
Can you keep driving? What the notices say
One recall instructs owners not to drive: the February 1, 2021 Ram 1500 Brake Pedal Separation Risk recall covering certain 2020-2021 RAM 1500 Classic SLT trucks. Its notice advises owners not to drive until they receive instructions on inspection and repair, as necessary. None of the listed notices carries a park-outside instruction. For the remaining pedal, ProMaster City ABS module, hose corrosion, rear line wear, hose rupture, stability-control software, HCU, caliper, and warning-light recalls, the notices do not tell owners to stop driving.
What the free repair involves
Free remedies differ: V07 repairs the adjustable pedal assembly; the Classic SLT recall inspects and installs the push rod clip. ProMaster City receives an ABS module replacement; ZA5 replaces rear hoses; V98 replaces front calipers and hoses and bleeds brakes. The 2024 stability-control and Z20 recalls update ABS software. The HCU recall replaces the HCU or its motor.
Severity at a glance
| Severity | Recalls |
|---|---|
| critical | 3 |
| high | 6 |
| medium | 2 |
Models affected most
Where owners report service brakes, hydraulic problems most
NHTSA owner complaints filed under service brakes, hydraulic for the RAM models and years in this guide. Complaints are unverified reports and are not limited to the recalled defects.
| Vehicle | Service brakes, hydraulic complaints |
|---|---|
| 2018 RAM 2500 | 2,333 |
| 2018 RAM 3500 | 660 |
| 2019 RAM 1500 | 131 |
| 2021 RAM 1500 | 73 |
| 2018 RAM 5500 | 24 |
| 2020 RAM 2500 | 14 |
| 2022 RAM 3500 | 12 |
| 2021 RAM 2500 | 10 |
Every recall in this group
| Date | Recall | Severity |
|---|---|---|
| Nov 27, 2024 | Ram Trucks Brake Control Unit May Fail | high |
| Sep 5, 2024 | Ram 1500 Software Can Shut Off Stability Control | high |
| Oct 11, 2022 | Ram 4500, 5500 Rear Brake Hose May Rupture | high |
| Mar 10, 2022 | Ram and Durango Stability Warning Light May Fail | medium |
| Mar 9, 2021 | Ram ProMaster City vans may lose braking power | critical |
| Feb 1, 2021 | Ram 1500 Brake Pedal Separation Risk · do not drive | critical |
| Jan 26, 2021 | Excellance-Modified Ram 4500, 5500 Rear Brake Line Wear | high |
| Jan 13, 2021 | Ram 4500 and 5500 Rear Brake Line Wear | high |
| Aug 29, 2019 | Ram 2500 and 3500 Brake Calipers May Drag | medium |
| Feb 5, 2019 | Ram 1500 Brake Pedal May Separate While Driving | critical |
| May 1, 2018 | Ram 4500 and 5500 Brake Hose Corrosion | high |
Common questions
Which RAM brake recall tells owners not to drive?
The February 1, 2021 pedal separation notice for certain 2020-2021 RAM 1500 Classic SLT trucks advises owners not to drive until they receive inspection and repair instructions. The missing retaining clip can allow the brake pedal to separate from the brake system.
Are the RAM 4500 and 5500 brake hose problems the same?
The notices describe different defects. U41 concerns corrosion of hose ferrules on certain 2018 trucks. Braun Northwest and Excellance describe rear line contact with suspension components on certain 2019-2020 vehicles. ZA5 concerns an undersized rear hose inside diameter on certain 2019-2020 cab chassis vehicles.
What repairs address rear brake line wear on modified trucks?
Braun Northwest specifies a repair kit at each rear caliper, modified flexible-line mounting, and replacement of worn lines as needed, free of charge. Excellance specifies a free kit to remedy damage and prevent future damage on its affected CLASS Suspension Systems vehicles.
A recall applies only to specific vehicles. Check your 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.